SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) — Wild video revealed the moment lifeguards sprang into action to rescue a boy from rough surf at a popular beach in California.
A lifeguard rescued a boy who was swept into the ocean by powerful waves at a California beach Saturday as dangerous surf conditions triggered dozens of rescues along the coastline.
(SCOTT VANDER DUSSEN/@SANTACRUZNOW/CNN/CNN Newsource/SCOTT VANDER DUSSEN/@SANTACRUZNOW)
The rescue happened at Seabright State Beach near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and was captured on video by Scott Vander Dussen.
Vander Dussen said conditions appeared to change rapidly before the boy was overpowered by the waves and swept farther into the water.
Video shows a lifeguard rushing into the surf and battling large waves while working to reach the boy. At one point, several beachgoers attempted to assist but were also knocked around by the rough surf.
A second lifeguard joined the rescue, and the two were able to bring the boy safely back to shore. Everyone involved made it out of the water safely.
A Santa Cruz State Parks lifeguard supervisor said officials appreciate beachgoers’ willingness to help but noted that such attempts can often create additional emergencies.
Eric Trump took to social media and applauded the rescue effort.
“Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!” he wrote on X.
The rescue was one of about two dozen reported Saturday in Santa Cruz County as massive swells pounded the shoreline.
The National Weather Service is urging people to stay out of the water along parts of the Pacific Coast through Tuesday because of an increased risk of sneaker waves and dangerous rip currents.
